Upgrade Camera OR RAW Recorder??

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I'm kind of at a cross roads here, there has been so many great cameras released in 2014 that I'm extremely tempted to invest in some new equipment. The two cameras that have peaked the biggest interest are the GH4 and the Sony A7S.<br>

I'm currently using the 5d MK III, so my question is:</p>

<p>Should I invest in a 4K camera (like the GH4) or buy an external raw recorder like the Atomos Shogun to record the RAW HDMI out from my Mark III?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Just remember: it's not about how many pixels (unless you need that 4K, which can indeed be useful both for 4K display, or so you have some room to crop in post), but it's about the encoding. An external recorder - no matter how good - hooked up to the 5DIII is still going to only be able to record at the 8 bits that the 5DIII is sending out that port. The GH4, I believe, can take advantage of an external 10-bit 4:2:2 recording device (like the Shogun). But... the GH4 is of course a smaller format camera, and would require different glass than you're using on your 5D. And just the difference in sensor size might, depending on the circumstances in which you find yourself shooting, counter the difference between 8 and 10 bits on the output side. A lot of that has to do with how much color grading you plan to do in post.</p>

<p>Definitely the issue of having to sell off all of my lenses and buy new ones for the GH4 is a huge drawback. I recall hearing there are adapters, not sure how well they work though, I need to do more research.<br>

As far as grading is concerned, my bread and butter are local TV commercials, so heavy color grades aren't really necessary. From what I've seen, the difference is pretty small between 8 bit and 10 bit w/o doing heavy grading.<br>

I think the Shogun has the ability to record into pro-res as well, which I hear is a better codec.<br>

Perhaps I'll take the wait and see approach here, and see if Canon steps up their game in 2015.</p>

<p>Thanks for your feedback.</p>

 

<p>I have the GH4 and A7s.<br>

The GH4 + 12-35 & 35-100 are all I need to shoot over 3 hours of Video unattended. There are many adapters to use all your Canon lens. Several SpeedBoosters will allow shallow DOF, wider frame, and faster glass with manual focus only.<br>

The A7s cost nearly twice as much, will shoot in near dark but only record 29 minutes internally which is about how long the tiny battery last. To shoot longer or 4k you need an external recorder. I can go 2 hours unattended with a two battery grip and external only recording. There are adapters for your FullFrame Canon lens.</p>

<p> </p>